Aston, PA—Sister Alma Francis Collins, OSF, 89, died in Assisi House on February 21. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 70 years. Sister Alma Francis (Nora Teresa Collins) was born in Bullane, County Cork, Ireland, where she was a member of St. Coleman Parish. She entered the congregation in 1937 and professed her first vows in 1940. Sister Alma Francis earned a B.A. in Education from Mount St. Mary University in Emmitsburg and an M.A. in Administration from The Catholic University of America in . She ministered primarily in elementary education as both teacher and principal. In her leisure time, Sister Alma enjoyed listening to classical music, watching musicals, and recycling greeting cards.
Sister Alma Francis ministered for 27 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She worked at Neumann University as a librarian (1983-1985) and in the San Damiano Retreat Center in Aston (1985-1989). From 1989-2005 she lived at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston, serving as local house treasurer. She moved to Assisi House in 2005 and served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Alma Francis’ 15 years of ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore included teaching at St. Paul School (1940-1942) and St. Anthony School (1956-1967). She both taught and was principal of the Shrine of the Little Flower School from 1970-1972.
Sister Alma Francis also ministered for 15 years in the Archdiocese of Washington. She taught at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Bethesda (1942-1956) and at St. Bernadette School, Silver Spring (1975-1976).
Sister Alma Francis’ seven years of ministry in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee included serving as principal of St. Thomas More School in Warrington (1976-1983).
Additional ministry experience included serving as both teacher and principal of Corpus Christi School in Wilmington, Delaware (1967-1969). In the Diocese of Charleston she taught at Our Lady of Peach School in North Augusta (1969-1970) and was principal of St. Joseph School in Anderson (1972-1975).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Tuesday, March 2. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Alma Francis is survived by her sisters, Rita Costello, Sara Collins; her brother Thomas Collins; nieces, nephews, cousins; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
